24 research outputs found
Quantum Internet Protocol Stack: a Comprehensive Survey
Classical Internet evolved exceptionally during the last five decades, from a
network comprising a few static nodes in the early days to a leviathan
interconnecting billions of devices. This has been possible by the separation
of concern principle, for which the network functionalities are organized as a
stack of layers, each providing some communication functionalities through
specific network protocols. In this survey, we aim at highlighting the
impossibility of adapting the classical Internet protocol stack to the Quantum
Internet, due to the marvels of quantum mechanics. Indeed, the design of the
Quantum Internet requires a major paradigm shift of the whole protocol stack
for harnessing the peculiarities of quantum entanglement and quantum
information. In this context, we first overview the relevant literature about
Quantum Internet protocol stack. Then, stemming from this, we sheds the light
on the open problems and required efforts toward the design of an effective and
complete Quantum Internet protocol stack. To the best of authors' knowledge, a
survey of this type is the first of its own. What emerges from this analysis is
that the Quantum Internet, though still in its infancy, is a disruptive
technology whose design requires an inter-disciplinary effort at the border
between quantum physics, computer and telecommunications engineering
Guest editorial introduction to the special issue on “advanced signal processing techniques and telecommunications network infrastructures for smart grid analysis, monitoring, and management”
The Ubiquitin-Proteasome System and Inflammatory Activity in Diabetic Atherosclerotic Plaques
The role of ubiquitin-proteasome system in the accelerated atherosclerotic progression of diabetic patients is unclear. We evaluated ubiquitin-proteasome activity in carotid plaques of asymptomatic diabetic and nondiabetic patients, as well as the effect of rosiglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR)-γ activator, in diabetic plaques. Plaques were obtained from 46 type 2 diabetic and 30 nondiabetic patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Diabetic patients received 8 mg rosiglitazone (n = 23) or placebo (n = 23) for 4 months before scheduled endarterectomy. Plaques were analyzed for macrophages (CD68), T-cells (CD3), inflammatory cells (HLA-DR), ubiquitin, proteasome 20S activity, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, inhibitor of κB (IκB)-β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, nitrotyrosine, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and collagen content (immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Compared with nondiabetic plaques, diabetic plaques had more macrophages, T-cells, and HLA-DR+ cells (P < 0.001); more ubiquitin, proteasome 20S activity (TNF-α), and NF-κB (P < 0.001); and more markers of oxidative stress (nitrotyrosine and O2− production) and MMP-9 (P < 0.01), along with a lesser collagen content and IκB-β levels (P < 0.001). Compared with placebo-treated plaques, rosiglitazone-treated diabetic plaques presented less inflammatory cells (P < 0.01); less ubiquitin, proteasome 20S, TNF-α, and NF-κB (P < 0.01); less nitrotyrosine and superoxide anion production (P < 0.01); and greater collagen content (P < 0.01), indicating a more stable plaque phenotype. Similar findings were obtained in circulating monocytes obtained from the two groups of diabetic patients and cultured in the presence or absence of rosiglitazone (7.0 μmol/l). Ubiquitin-proteasome over-activity is associated with enhanced inflammatory reaction and NF-κB expression in diabetic plaques. The inhibition of ubiquitin-proteasome activity in atherosclerotic lesions of diabetic patients by rosiglitazone is associated with morphological and compositional characteristics of a potential stable plaque phenotype, possibly by downregulating NF-κB-mediated inflammatory pathways
Space-QUEST: Experiments with quantum entanglement in space
The European Space Agency (ESA) has supported a range of studies in the field
of quantum physics and quantum information science in space for several years,
and consequently we have submitted the mission proposal Space-QUEST (Quantum
Entanglement for Space Experiments) to the European Life and Physical Sciences
in Space Program. We propose to perform space-to-ground quantum communication
tests from the International Space Station (ISS). We present the proposed
experiments in space as well as the design of a space based quantum
communication payload.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure, accepted for the 59th International Astronautical
Congress (IAC) 200
SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives : data from an international prospective cohort study
Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population.Peer reviewe